HeartHike 2016 | HeartHike.org

• John Kolker is a 52 year old, FSSK Resident, father of two adult children, is a 10 year US Army Veteran and currently works as a Web Engineer

• John died an overweight, anxiety-stricken, unhealthy smoker of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Dec 2011

• His life was saved by courageous off-duty paramedic and security guard with an AED

• Had double stent placement surgery• 3 months after surgery started to train for triathlons• Joined Ironheart Racing in 2012 and is one of the leading

IHF fundraisers• Finished 8 sprint triathlons and is about to start third

triathlon season• American Heart Association Board of Survivors and

Spokesperson and guest speaker and many heart health events

• Cardiologist clearance and has started long-distance hiking training for the HeartHike endeavor

• As is customary on the AT, John will be adopting the trail-name “Cardiac” for the hike

About John | HeartHike.org

• Who Benefits? HeartHike’s primary charitable beneficiary is Iron Heart Foundation.

• Who are we? Many of us have gone through serious cardiac issues/surgeries and use endurance sports as a way to stay healthy and inspire others. Some have simply joined Ironheart to help spread awareness of congenital heart disease and healthy heart living through exercise and competition. We are a team made up of patients, family members, physicians and healthcare providers, young and old... We participate in everything from 5K runs/walks to marathons, triathlons and beyond- all to support the Foundation, raise awareness for healthy heart living, and to support those we love, including ourselves!

• Where does the money go? Donations benefit the HeartHike.org effort, as well as supporting programs that provide outreach and inspiration to get the world heart-smart and heart-healthy. Included is development of the world's best medical referral program for cardiac athletes, and award winning feature-length documentary, and our AED purchase program for active communities.

Who, What & Where | HeartHike.org

• The mission of HeartHike.org is to raise awareness, advocacy and funds in the fight against heart disease…

• Awareness• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor trains to be triathlete then

decides to attempt a full AT thru-hike• Responsible and gradual heart health choices with close medical

screening• Advocacy

• Plans to partner with compassionate and influential organizations• Aims to motivate survivors of cardiac events and heart health

advocates to “hike their own hike” whether that “Hike” is walking around the block, a 5k, a triathlon or a full AT thru-hike

• Inspire “First Chancers” to make better choices• Funds

• Raise funds for Journey costs• Raise funds for Gear (REI Registries)• Raise funds for Ironheart Alive, The AED (Automated External

Defibrillator) Initiative• Have like-minded fundraisers hold their own related fundraisers• Per mile donations via email marketing and social media

Mission | HeartHike.org

• Over 2,180 miles long over rugged mountainous terrain traversing 14 states

• Starts at Springer Mountain, Georgia• End at Mount Katahdin, Maine• Takes the average hiker 6 months to complete• Start in March and finish in September 2016• Daily distance averages from 12 to 18 miles• There are more than 250 three-sided shelters

and various trail towns along the trail• Total elevation gain equivalent 16 Everest climbs• Of the few thousand annual thru-hike attempts,

1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike actually finish• Seven (7) recorded successful thru-hikes by

hikers with heart disease of 14,000 completions since the 1930’s*

• No recorded Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor completions*

*According to Researchers at the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the organization that manages all things AT)

The Hike | HeartHike.org

The Hike | HeartHike.org

September 15 – Finish!! / Climb KatahdinAugust 25 – Enter into MaineAugust 11 – New HampshireAugust 8 – Cross into VermontJuly 26 – Enter MassachusettsJuly 20 – Start ConnecticutJuly 13 – Enter New YorkJuly 10 – Enter New JerseyJune 23 – Start PennsylvaniaJune 20 – Start MarylandJune 15 – Harpers Ferry, West Virginia(psychological half-way point)May 10 – Hit VirginiaMay 1 – Enter TennesseeApril 10 – Cross into North Carolina

March 21, 2016 – Start at Springer Mountain, GeorgiaNorthbound Hike

Milestones | HeartHike.org

ID and Apply for GrantsID and Apply for Grants

Logistics and Resupply PlanningLogistics and Resupply Planning

Launch Website, Facebook, Fundraising Pages and BlogLaunch Website, Facebook, Fundraising Pages and Blog

Grow and Promote Fundraising Pages, Website, Social Media and Email Marketing

Grow and Promote Fundraising Pages, Website, Social Media and Email Marketing

Planning and Budgeting

Planning and Budgeting

Jan

2015

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

2016

Feb Mar Apr

Formalize HHFormalize HH Identify VolunteersIdentify

VolunteersEstablish Banking and Fiscal Best Practices

Establish Banking and Fiscal Best Practices

Gear Purchase / Donations InGear Purchase / Donations In

Resupply Donations inResupply Donations in Resupply Shipping Set upResupply Shipping Set up

Marketing PlanningMarketing Planning

Train for and Compete in Triathlon SeasonTrain for and Compete in Triathlon Season

ReadinessReadinessMarketingMarketingLogisticsLogisticsDigital & FundraisingDigital &

FundraisingSponsorshipSponsorshipHH BusinessHH Business

Roadmap “Swim Lane” Legend

Sponsorships inSponsorships in

Marketing – Newspapers, Magazines, Video, You Tube, Radio

and TV

Marketing – Newspapers, Magazines, Video, You Tube, Radio

and TVMarketing – Interviews, personal interest stories etc…Marketing – Interviews, personal interest stories etc…

Wilderness Stays and Full Gear Treks

Wilderness Stays and Full Gear Treks

Long Distance Hiking Conditioning

Long Distance Hiking Conditioning

Cardiology Clearance

Cardiology Clearance

Start! Springer Mountain, GAMarch 21, 2016

Roadmap | HeartHike.org

• How others can participate in the hike:• Build a fundraising page• Digitally socialize the effort• Have local fundraisers• Hike a portion of the trail with John• Send care packages with hiker items to re-supply points• Meet John at the closest cross-roads bring food, goodies or other

trail magic*• Invite John for an overnight in a real bed or basement floor and

shower (smile)*• Have a Springer Mountain send-off meeting at the southern

terminus *• Have a finish-line party at the base of

Mount Katahdin at the northern terminus *

* See Milestones map for approximate trail locations and time periods

Get Involved | HeartHike.org

• Contact us for more information or to participate:• Site: www.hearthike.org• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hearthike/• Email John: jwkolker@gmail.com• John’s Ironheartfoundation.org profile:

http://ironheartfoundation.org/ironheartracing/member_detail?id=1753

Contact Us | HeartHike.org